The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc gives notes of lemongrass, hay and chalk dust with a hint of fresh peas. Light to medium bodied, it offers a good flavor concentration of slightly more savory lemongrass and mineral characters with a long finish. Drink it now to 2013. Importer: South Pacific Wines LLC, New York, NY

This Marlborough Sauvignon from a Hawke’s Bay winery is a little on the herbal side—even close to vegetal, although it doesn’t quite go that far. A trace of sweetness lingers to balance out the tobacco- and tomato-leaf elements. ——J.C.(9/1/2011)—— 87